Nutrition for Our Neighbors
Marin is often considered a wealthy community, but many people don’t know where their next meal is coming from.
An estimated 1 in 3 older adults in Marin struggle to put food on the table. Too many of our neighbors have to make decisions about whether to buy food or medicine every day.
For those living alone, the isolation and loneliness is just as difficult, especially during the holidays. According to the Center for Disease Control, isolated older adults face a 68% increased risk of hospitalization, 50% increased risk of dementia, and 32% increased risk of stroke.
Because food insecurity has one of the greatest impacts on overall health – increasing the risk of falls, chronic health conditions and mental health challenges – Vivalon provides critical nutrition services in Marin.
Hundreds of people who are homebound and unable to grocery shop or prepare meals on their own are receiving meals at home—people like Delpha, who lives alone and broke her hip earlier this year.
“There is something very special about having a meal come so I have something to eat every day and someone to help bring it to my house,” says Delpha. “It means so much to me.”
“Every week we’re delivering meals to hundreds of people like Delpha,” says Erika Vaughn, Vivalon’s home-delivered meal program manager. “The holidays are especially hard for the ones living alone. When they receive their meals, they light up just knowing people in their community care about them.”
Older adults can also visit our food bank every week to pick up fresh groceries or have a delicious and affordable lunch in the Jackson Café, prepared by our award-winning chef Stacy Scott.
“The first time I walked through the door of the Jackson Café, it has been like my second home,” says Andy, who visits the café every week. “This place is a huge part of my life and these people are like family.”
To ensure our neighbors are not alone on Thanksgiving and can celebrate the holidays with a warm meal, we will be delivering special holiday dinners to our homebound clients.
We are also hosting our annual Thanksgiving luncheon in the Jackson Café. You are invited to join us for traditional turkey dinners, all the trimmings, and dessert. Let’s be thankful together!
Please note that registration is required for the Thanksgiving Luncheon. Click here for more details.
To support nutrition and safety net services at Vivalon, please click here. Donations made between November 1-30 will be matched thanks to an anonymous donor!
